INDIANAPOLIS – It’s easy to summarize Chris Ballard’s latest pre-draft availability.
The facts: Ballard’s Indianapolis Colts hold seven total picks in the April 25-27 NFL draft, including No. 15 overall.
The possibilities: Too many to consider.
Ballard might take an un-Ballard-like approach and move up in round 1. He’s been receptive to upward mobility in the past – most notably shimmying up three spots in round 2 of the 2020 draft to snare Jonathan Taylor at No. 41 overall – but never in the first round.
“There would have to be somebody within striking distance that we felt was really unique and a difference-maker for us,’’ Ballard said.
So, let’s consider that option in play, although the price to move up several spots from No. 15 might be exorbitant.
Ballard might stay very much in character and, well, you know. He’s traded down or out of the first round entirely four times since settling into his general manager’s chair in 2017.
While explaining how he’s evolved as a talent evaluator over the past seven or eight years, Ballard steered the conversation to what’s been a core drafting principle.
“. . . there’s times where we’ll take a chance,’’ he said. “I know (what) you’re getting at because we’re going to trade back, and I can already see the article.’’
The exchange included a hearty laugh.
So, obviously, trading back at any point in the draft to accumulate additional picks always is an option.
“I just go off history,’’ Ballard said. “The more picks you have, the better chance you have to hit.
“Look, we’ve moved up. We moved up for Jonathan Taylor. When we see one that’s in striking distance that we think we can go get, we’ll do it. But it’s got to work and then you’ve got to have somebody that wants to make the trade.’’
While offering no serious insight on what to expect next week – why would any GM show his hand? – Ballard revealed a few specific tidbits.
- His draft board includes 19-to-21 players worthy of first-round consideration.
- There could be a decided offensive flavor to the first round.
“I do think you’re going to see a lot of offensive players taken early in the first round,’’ Ballard said. “I’m not saying it’s a weak defensive draft, but it’s a really strong offensive draft, especially at the top.’’
Quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are projected to be taken with the top three picks, and a fourth – J.J. McCarthy – might soon follow. Marvin Harrison Jr. probably will be the first non-QB off the board, unless Malik Nabers leap-frogs him.
- The offensive line and wide receivers are two of the draft’s deepest positions.
“The o-line in this draft is really excellent and there’s depth throughout,’’ he said. “I truly believe you’re going to get a really good player in those mid-rounds and some even later.
“Wideout is very similar. It is excellent. Those two position groups stand out.’’
- The draft remains the bedrock of roster-building. Of the 64 players under contract at the end of last season, 40 were either draft picks (34) or players signed as undrafted rookies. Twenty-three of the 27 picks over the past three years are still with the team.
“The majority of your best players on your team you hope they come from the draft,’’ Ballard said. “When you’re building through free agency – I think you all know my philosophy on this – you can’t get all of your best players through free agency. Too expensive and it doesn’t last over time.
“I think the draft is always important. And now in today’s football, these guys have to come in and play.’’
As for the recent investments paying off, the 23 draft picks since ’21 have combined for 224 starts. And let’s not forget the 2020 draft which delivered Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. and Julian Blackmon.
The exceptions also have been significant, including DeForest Buckner (trade), Kenny Moore II (waivers), Matt Gay (free agency) and Samson Ebukam (free agency).
- The presence of Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, reinforces Ballard’s overriding offensive belief: Protect the guy, and give him a strong supporting cast.
“It is a good feeling knowing that we like him’’ he said. “We like where we’re going with him. Block and protect. You just look through the league and you just look through the playoff teams. They can block and protect.
“I remember Andrew (Luck) used to tell me all the time, ‘Chris, get me protected. I will get the ball to them. Give me guys that will catch it and get to the right spot and I will make the rest work.’
“Most of the really good ones, that’s how they roll. Do they want a superstar (receiver) out there? Absolutely. But protection to me is always first and foremost.’’
Ballard added it’s also important to “continue to add playmakers around him.’’
More on the Buckner extension
Ballard was prepared for a question regarding the two-year, $46 million extension given this week to Buckner. It created nearly $14 million in cap space, leaving the Colts at roughly $28 million under the cap.
Why was the extension structured to create additional cap space?
“Just to make Twitter go nuts,’’ Ballard said with a laugh.
He paused.
“You think I’m kidding? I’m not,’’ he continued. “I just wanted to see the reaction. That’s my answer. I mean, yeah.’’
Not really.
The extension gives the Colts flexibility moving forward.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.